Determining if a roll top desk is antique can be quite tricky, as roll top desks are an ever-evolving and constantly changing form of furniture. It can be helpful to look for certain hallmarks that might be indicative of an antique roll top desk.
For instance, pre-1900 roll top desks often had wooden rollers and a hunk of cast iron at the center of the rollers. If there is a stamp or brand showing up on the furniture part of the desk, it may be well over 100 years old.
It is also important to determine whether the desk is hand-made or machine-made. Many antique roll top desks were made using hand tools, though there are some exceptions to this.
Inspect the materials and tambours used in its construction. Tambours are either slats of wood or crimped paper-lined canvas which slide up and down over the desk’s storage compartments. Antique roll top desks used primarily wooden slats, which were often visible when the desk was closed.
Additionally, look for details such as dovetailed joints, hand-planed lumber, and other such signs of hand tool craftsmanship. Some roll top desks have both dovetail and basic box-corner joinery, which could signal a piece from the mid-19th century.
Finally, it is important to authenticate the age of the desk. This can be done through research and records or verification from a qualified appraiser. Desks with documented makers and dates can be authenticated more easily.
If papers haven’t been kept, you may be able to identify the age of the desk by researching the desk’s design features.
Why are roll top desks so expensive?
Roll top desks are desirable for their classic look, and their convenience for organizing documents and materials. They are also very impressive and often require a lot of craftsmanship to create. The main reason why roll top desks can be expensive is because of the special and labor-intensive processes used to create these pieces.
They generally start out with the wood being cut into thin pieces and then fitted and glued onto a larger piece of material. After this, smaller details and carving are typically done to create distinctive designs and unique accents on the desk.
This process often requires a skilled woodworker, who typically charge a high rate for their labor. Furthermore, the materials used can also add to the cost since premium woods, such as mahogany, cherry, and oak, are preferred materials to create a roll top desk.
With all of these elements combined, it is easy to see why roll top desks can be so expensive.
Are roll top desks out of style?
Roll top desks were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but are not as common today. While there are modern style roll top desks with a more contemporary look and updated features like charging stations, they’re not as popular as they once were.
Many people completely pass by this style of desk in favor of slimmer, space-saving desks or traditional standard office desks.
In general, however, they’re still widely available in many furniture shops, antique stores, online retailers, and more. So while they may not be trending, they’re still a popular option for those looking for a unique, stylish, and timeless piece.
Plus, they provide a unique aesthetic that not many other desks can.
When did they stop making roll top desks?
The popularity of roll-top desks peaked in the U. S. during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As the country shifted to more modern office environments in the 1950s, roll-top desks gradually fell out of favor.
They are still manufactured, but the number of manufacturers has decreased significantly. Post 1950s roll-top desks have often been mass-produced from inexpensive materials, whereas pre-1950s roll-tops were typically handcrafted from higher-grade wood.
Roll-top desks can still be found in antique and vintage stores, as well as from modern furniture makers, but most new roll-top desks are not made in the same style as their predecessors. Today, roll-top desks are more of a decorative piece, rather than a practical piece of furniture.
What is another name for a roll top desk?
Another name for a roll top desk is a tambour desk. The roll top desk is named for its specialized sliding central door, typically made of wood and shaped into a semicircle or a wave-like pattern. When open, it reveals an array of smaller drawers, cubbies, and compartments specifically designed for organizing supplies, documents, and other materials.
The tambour door on a roll top desk results in a more vertical approach to storage than regular desks with drawers, making it a great choice in areas with limited space.
How do you date a roll top desk?
To accurately date a roll top desk can be quite challenging, however there are several factors to consider to help determine the age. First, look for clues in the design, such as any manufacturer’s labels or with its style.
Most American-made roll top desks are from the late 19th or early 20th century, with some later pieces from the 1950s. Changing trends in wood choices, hardware, moldings and locks also provide helpful cues in date.
If you’re having trouble, consult a furniture specialist. They may be able to provide more precise advice by looking at detailed construction techniques, hardware and other design elements. Additionally, examining any ink stamped or hidden serial numbers may also provide more insight.
Lastly, if your roll top desk is an heirloom or has special meaning, consider researching its history. This can be done by looking in antiques and memorabilia catalogs, talking to family members, or researching its manufacturer.
Doing this may help put a precise date on your piece so you will know exactly how old your desk is.
How do I identify my antique desk?
Identifying an antique desk can be tricky, as there are many variations in construction, materials, and style. Fortunately, there are some telltale signs that can help you determine the age and origin of your desk.
First, look at the materials. Antique desks are often made of hardwoods, such as mahogany, oak, or walnut, with a strong yet light grain. If the desk is made of lighter woods such as pine, it may be a piece from the mid-20th century.
Additionally, an antique desk may have screws and bolts made of brass or bronze, rather than the more modern steel used on newer pieces.
Next, examine the construction. Antique desks often have dovetailed joints in the drawers, while more modern pieces will often have wooden pegs or mechanical slides. Also look for hand-finished edges, which were common on earlier pieces, rather than the mass-produced finishes of more recent models.
Finally, study the design. If your desk has a timeless, traditional look, it is probably an antique. Look for details such as carved wood designs, ornately sculpted feet, and unique details like hinges and handles that may identify the desk as an older model.
By examining these characteristics and doing some research, you may be able to pinpoint the exact origin, age, and maker of your antique desk.
How much does an oak desk weigh?
The exact weight of an oak desk depends on the product specifics such as the size, design, and other features. But generally speaking, an oak desk with moderate features weighing around 30 inches wide and 30 inches high would typically weigh between 60 to 90 pounds.
Very large desks, or those with extra features, might be much heavier.
What is a tambour top?
A tambour top, also called a roll top, is a unique style of desk or chest of drawers with a sliding wooden door composed of slats that roll around the top of the piece of furniture. This style of furniture originated in France and was popularized in the 1800s with form used as both a desk and chest.
The door is designed to roll up and down on tracks so it can hang down and cover the front of the furniture piece. This door serves as a secure lid for the contents of the piece of furniture, helping it to stay dust-free.
This style of furniture is popular for both form and function, as the door is easy to use and provides a visually interesting design. Many antique tambour top pieces of furniture are still highly sought-after today due to their classic look.
